Droughts linked to Maya civilization collapse, study finds
Droughts lasting up to 13 years may have caused the Maya collapse, reveals a new study.
Why it matters
- Links severe droughts to the collapse of the Classic Maya civilization.
- Shows how prolonged droughts can destabilize even advanced societies.
By the numbers
- 8 droughts lasting ≥3 years, longest at 13 years.
- Study covers 150 years (871–1021 CE) using stalagmite data.
The big picture
- Highlights vulnerability of civilizations to climate change.
- Offers insights into historical climate impacts and their societal consequences.
Caveats
- Findings based on stalagmite oxygen isotopes, a proxy for past rainfall levels.